Ekiti Trains 38 Newly Recruited Agricultural Produce Officers.

Ekiti Trains 38 Newly Recruited Agricultural Produce Officers.

By Olamide Akinwumi

 

The Ekiti State Government has commenced a two-day training programme for 38 newly recruited Agricultural Produce Officers in a bid to strengthen its revenue generation drive through the agricultural value chain.

The training, which began on Tuesday, is being organised by the Agricultural Produce Department, a critical revenue-generating unit under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

Speaking at the opening session, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer, charged the officers to be diligent and proactive in discharging their duties, particularly in managing the downstream activities of the agricultural value chain.

He emphasized the significance of their roles in boosting government revenue and enhancing food security across the state.

Boluwade also expressed appreciation to Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his continuous support to the agricultural sector, describing the administration's commitment as pivotal to the sector’s ongoing reforms.

The newly recruited officers are expected to be deployed across various parts of the state upon completion of the training.

African Leaders Urge U.S. to Prioritize Investment-Driven Partnerships at U.S.-Africa Business Summit.

African Leaders Urge U.S. to Prioritize Investment-Driven Partnerships at U.S.-Africa Business Summit.

…as CCA Chair John Olajide advocates harmonized visa policies across Africa.

At the 17th U.S.-Africa Business Summit held in Luanda, Angola, African leaders called on the United States to pivot from aid-based engagement to investment-led partnerships that promote human capital development, infrastructure, and economic growth across the continent. They also pressed for a review of U.S. tariffs on African exports, advocating a shift toward more equitable and transformative trade relationships.

The annual summit, organized by the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), serves as a key platform for fostering stronger U.S.-Africa business ties across critical sectors such as agribusiness, energy, healthcare, ICT, infrastructure, trade facilitation, and finance.

In his opening remarks, Angola’s President João Lourenço emphasized the need for a fundamental rethinking of U.S. engagement with Africa, urging American companies to seize emerging opportunities on the continent through long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

"It is time to replace the logic of aid with the logic of ambition and private investment,” said Lourenço.

“Africa should be seen as a credible partner—rich in potential, in need of capital and expertise, and eager to collaborate for shared prosperity.”

He stressed that Africa is no longer a passive recipient of aid but a dynamic frontier of innovation and enterprise.

Echoing similar sentiments, President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina called for a review of the high tariffs imposed on African exports to the U.S.

"What is needed is more trade between Africa and the U.S., not less,” Adesina said.

Also speaking at the summit, John Olajide, Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa, underscored the immense economic potential of a well-structured U.S.-Africa partnership. He called for stronger collaboration across both public and private sectors, while emphasizing the importance of regional integration and infrastructure development within Africa.

"With over 2,000 participants from across Africa and the diaspora attending this summit, I’m confident that our nations are well represented. A robust U.S.-Africa business relationship can transform economies, especially as Africa brings vital assets such as critical minerals needed for green technologies,” Olajide said.

He urged African leaders to harmonize visa regimes across the continent to unlock the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He cited the challenges some African participants faced in securing entry into Angola, while their American counterparts entered with ease.

"We cannot continue to speak of economic integration while we lack easy access to one another. Until we ease visa restrictions within Africa, the goals of the AfCFTA will remain out of reach,” Olajide noted.

“Intra-African trade, cross-border collaboration, and infrastructure development all depend on seamless regional connectivity.”

Representing the U.S. government, Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor for Africa, emphasized the Trump administration’s commitment to moving beyond aid, toward technology-driven investments across Africa. He reiterated U.S. interest in engaging with stable African nations to foster peace and prosperity.

"President Donald Trump is committed to Africa—particularly to countries free of crisis. Lasting peace is the foundation for sustainable investment and infrastructure development,” Boulos stated.

“A peaceful African environment will unlock new opportunities for U.S. investment in the region.”

EKZ: Oyebanji Pays Over N1.45 Billion Compensation to land owners.

EKZ: Oyebanji Pays Over N1.45 Billion Compensation to land owners.

... Says Project‘ll Deliver 14,000 Jobs.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on Tuesday presented over 1,450,000,000 Billion naira cheques as compensation to 195 indigenes of Ijan, Awo, and Araromi Ekiti, whose land were acquired for the Ekiti Knowledge Zone project.

The Ekiti Knowledge Zone is a strategic economic initiative aimed at creating an innovation driven ecosystem and a business incubation platform for knowledge-based enterprises in the state.

Speaking while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries at a brief event held at the Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Ado Ekiti, the Governor said  the EKZ is projected to deliver over 14,000 jobs, particularly for the youth. This,  according to him, is a clear step toward tackling unemployment and building a sustainable future for future generations.

Explaining the potentials of the Knowledge Zone and describing it as a catalyst for development, Governor Oyebanji said “As a State celebrated for its intellectual capital, we have chosen to leverage this unique strength to drive inclusive economic growth and create a vibrant hub for innovation and service-driven industries.

Emphasizing that the Ekiti Knowledge Zone does not stand alone, the Governor explained that his administration has put in place critical supporting infrastructure to ensure its viability and long-term success which include the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport, Ekiti Ring Road Project, among others.

He further explained that the State Government has also engaged Green Engagement Limited as Consultant to ensure a just and transparent process in implementing the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the Project Affected Persons.

While expressing his profound appreciation to the Federal Government under the visionary leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an enabling environment for the project and the African Development Bank for not only funding the project but for their consistent technical support to the Project Implementation Unit, Governor Oyebanji affirmed that beyond financial compensation, his administration remains committed to providing additional support measures to vulnerable persons which include capacity development in oil palm agro-production, vocational skills training, social services, and post-compensation monitoring to ensure a more holistic and sustainable resettlement process.

Governor Oyebanji also addressed public misconceptions regarding the financing of the project, clarifying that although the Federal Government guaranteed an $80 million loan on behalf of the state, the funds were not disbursed directly to the state government.

“The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), oversees the procurement process and pays contractors directly. The state government neither receives nor handles the loan funds,” he emphasized.

Speaking further, he said : “As a State celebrated for its intellectual capital, we have chosen to leverage this unique strength to drive inclusive economic growth and create a vibrant hub for innovation and service-driven industries. The EKZ is projected to deliver over 14,000 jobs, particularly for our youth, a clear step toward tackling unemployment and building a sustainable future for generations to come. 

“As a show of appreciation and in line with our promise of justice and transparency, I am pleased to announce that the total compensation package initially assessed at ₦1,118,852,813.00, has now been reviewed to reflect current economic realities and stands at N1,450,000,000.00, which is being disbursed today” 

In her remarks, the Director General, Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA), and EKZ Project Cordinator, Ms Lolade Olutola expressed government’s commitment to ensuring that the future of Ekiti state is built on its strength of knowledge, creativity and resilience.

The EKDIPA boss also affirmed that the shared value of fairness, transparency and inclusion of the administration is not being left out in the compensation process, adding that the event reflected on the commitment of the administration to ensure that no one is left behind in Governor Oyebanji’s developmental agenda.

She used the opportunity to express her profound gratitude to Governor Oyebanji for ensuring that the welfare of residents is paramount in his heart as well as Africa Development Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance for their unflinching support towards the success of the project.

Also in his goodwill message, the Onijan of Ijan Ekiti, Oba Aladesuyi Adebanji, who expressed his profound  gratitude to the Governor for fulfilling his promise and for prioritizing the welfare of the citizens, described the EKZ project as a complete solution to the problem in the country intellectually, technically and all round development.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr Bankole Ojo thanked the Governor and assured him of their continued support for  the implementation of the project.

The event was graced by the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Habibat Adubiaro, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investments and Cooperatives, Mrs Tayo Adeola, among others.

Oyebanji Reaffirms commitment to ensuring Ekiti remains Top Business- Friendly State.

Oyebanji Reaffirms commitment to ensuring  Ekiti remains Top Business- Friendly State.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment that will attract investors and drive economic growth in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday in his office in Ado Ekiti during the second quarter report of Ease of Doing Business Council (EoDB), said his administration is focused on removing every barrier to doing business in the state by  implementing policies that would enhance ease of access for investors in the state

Identifying power and road infrastructure as two major barriers to business and acknowledging their critical role in attracting investors, the Governor assured that his government is working tirelessly to address these challenges with various efforts aimed at improving electricity supply and upgrading road networks across the state.

Stressing the importance of stable electricity in reducing the operational cost associated with the use of diesel by businesses , the Governor said government must prioritize efforts to ensure a steady and reliable power supply to ease the burden on entrepreneurs, enabling their business to thrive and achieve profitability.

Governor Oyebanji assured investors that his government remains committed to simplifying all processes related to starting and running businesses in the state, streamline bureaucratic procedure to encourage more investment, foster innovation, and create an enabling environment for enterprise of all sizes to flourish.

The Ease of Doing Business Council meeting, which was chaired by the Governor, was attended by members of the council, representatives of some MDAs.

IN PUSH FOR AGRICULTURAL RENAISSANCE, PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES 2,000 TRACTORS FOR MECHANISED FARMING.

IN PUSH FOR AGRICULTURAL RENAISSANCE, PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUNCHES 2,000 TRACTORS FOR MECHANISED FARMING.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja declared that Nigeria's agricultural renaissance has begun as he commissioned 2,000 tractors for nationwide deployment under the Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme.

The commissioning ceremony marked the programme's formal launch at the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Sheda, along the Abuja–Lokoja Expressway.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transforming Nigeria's agriculture sector by modernising farming practices and ensuring national food security.

 

He described the initiative as a landmark moment in his administration's food security agenda and a crucial part of efforts to empower farmers and stimulate rural development.

 

"We are very proud of what we are doing. We made a promise when we came in. We are fulfilling that promise. Two years ago, I sounded the alarm on our nation's food security crisis. I demanded immediate and innovative solutions. That, again, is answered today—this is the first phase of it.

 

"This government recognises that agricultural productivity is synonymous with national stability and food sovereignty. The ability to nourish our population forms the bedrock of a prosperous nation. Our ambition extends beyond mere self-sufficiency.

 

"We envision Nigeria as a global agricultural powerhouse—supplying quality produce to international markets while ensuring every citizen can access affordable, nutritious food.

 

"That's why we took a bold decision to establish this new agricultural mechanisation programme. We are just beginning," he said.

The President disclosed that the 2,000 tractors and accompanying implements would be distributed nationwide through a service-provider model to support smallholder farmers with access to modern equipment, reduce manual labour, and increase yields.

 

"We must seize this opportunity to achieve agricultural independence. Nigeria has the land, the people, and the tools. Let history recall this day as the beginning of Nigeria's agricultural renaissance—where modern technology met our farmers' legendary resilience to usher in greater prosperity," he said.

 

The President acknowledged the contributions of international partners, especially the Republic of Belarus, which played a key role in procuring the equipment, transferring technology, and providing training support for Nigerians.

 

"We have friends across the world. We have Belarus committed to a programme that will empower our youth—teach them how to do things, get them off the streets, and empower them in technology, machinery, and fabrication," he said.

 

President Tinubu paid special tribute to Alex Sigman, a Belarusian businessman and former classmate at the University of Chicago, for facilitating the collaboration.

 

"Alex was my very good neighbour and schoolmate in Chicago. Never did we dream that I would become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Alex, a successful businessman from Belarus—working together to promote the prosperity of our two countries.

 

"I believe our university will be very proud that we are doing this here today," he said.

 President Tinubu commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for its proactive leadership in rolling out the programme and called for strict stakeholder accountability.

 

"To all stakeholders receiving this equipment, deploy it with maximum efficiency. We will work with you, supervise you, and hold you accountable," the President stated.

President Tinubu urged Nigerians to take ownership of the agricultural transformation drive and contribute actively to achieving food sovereignty.

 

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari recalled that on July 13, 2023, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency on food security and issued a presidential directive for urgent and innovative solutions.

 

He noted that mechanisation was placed at the core of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.

The minister outlined four key initiatives launched under the Tinubu administration's mechanisation policy, including the John Deere Tractorisation Programme, the Greener Hope Project, the Green Imperative Programme, and the newly launched 2000 tractors procured from Belarus.

 

According to him, the Belarus Project, implemented in collaboration with AfTrade DMCC and supported by the Republic of Belarus, delivered 2,000 high-quality tractors, 10 combine harvesters, 12 mobile workshops, 9,000 implements, and 9,000 spare part kits.

 

 

"Never in Nigeria's history have we witnessed an agricultural mechanisation initiative of this scale, ambition, and national focus. We are today unveiling the single largest mechanisation drive ever undertaken in our country," the minister said.

 

He added that the programme is expected to cultivate over 550,000 hectares of farmland, produce more than 2 million metric tons of staple food, create over 16,000 jobs, and directly benefit over 550,000 farming households.

 

Other programme components include mandatory operator training, GPS-enabled tracking for accountability, a structured repayment model, and pro bono equipment allocations to research and training institutions.

 

He further stated that the initiative will engage Nigeria's youth through new roles in equipment handling, maintenance, logistics, extension services, and agri-tech innovation.

 

Viktor Karenkevich, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus, congratulated the Nigerian leader and the people of Nigeria for initiating a strategic and timely intervention to strengthen national food security.

 

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Belarus's President, Alexander Lukashenko, the deputy president described President Tinubu's choice of Belarus as a trusted partner in the supply of agricultural machinery as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries.

 

He noted that Belarusian equipment is known for quality, affordability, and durability and is present in over 100 countries worldwide.

 

Karankevich recalled that both nations signed a roadmap agreement during the 2024 Belagro Exhibition in Minsk, setting the foundation for joint agricultural mechanisation efforts.

 

Today, Belarusian machinery begins to serve the people of Nigeria. This marks the first phase of a landmark bilateral project that has already elevated our cooperation to a new level."

 

He confirmed Belarus' readiness to move into the second and third phases of the programme.

 

He said the phases include establishing service and maintenance centres for Belarusian machinery in Nigeria, setting up local assembly plants for agricultural equipment, constructing grain storage complexes, and training Nigerians to operate and maintain advanced farming machinery.

 

"Agricultural mechanisation is just one example of our cooperation.

 

"It confirms the immense potential of Belarus–Nigeria relations, grounded in friendship, equality, mutual respect, and trust," he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister echoed the words of President Lukashenko on Belarus' approach to Africa, saying :

 

"We come to Africa as friends. We are ready to help you become masters of your land, to benefit your people, and to develop your industry, agriculture, science, and technology."

 

Karankevich delivered a personal letter and official invitation from President Lukashenko to President Tinubu, inviting the Nigerian leader to visit Belarus at a future date.

 

Dignitaries present at the event included the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; representatives of the Senate and House Committees on Agriculture; members of the National Assembly, farmers' cooperatives, and development partners.

Mum’s Burial: Ekiti Deputy Gov Declares Free Health Services for 300 Vulnerable.

Mum’s Burial: Ekiti Deputy Gov Declares Free Health Services for 300 Vulnerable.

No fewer than 300 residents of Ekiti State are to benefit from the free health services declared by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye l, to celebrate her mother’s departure.

The two days medical outreach, championed by the Deputy Governor, forms part of the funeral arrangements of her mother, Madam Esther Iyalaje Adegboye, who will be interred on June 27, 2025, at her home in Ikere Ekiti.

Madam Adegboye, a wife of Akayejo Royal Dynasty in Ikere Ekiti, Ikere Local Government Area, died on February 18, 2025, at the age of 97.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, on Monday, stated that the medical intervention programme, is slated for June 25 and 26, 2025, respectively.

The Deputy Governor revealed that those to benefit include orphans, aged, widows, widowers and other less fortunate in the society.

Mrs Afuye said ailments that will be diagnosed and treated include visually problem, diabetes, hypertension, malaria, abdominal crisis and other body infections, while drugs will be distributed to patients appropriately.

She was upbeat that the programme will help in cascading free medical programmes being midwifed by the administration of Governor Biodun Oyebanji to the grassroots.

“The intention behind this programme is to celebrate the life and time of my mother, Olori Esther Adegboye, who was a renowned community leader and great lover of the masses during her lifetime.

“I believe this celebration shouldn’t be about dining, wining and dancing alone, we should be able to send a signal that we care about the people, in line with the philosophy of my mother when alive.

“We could all attest to how passionate Governor Biodun Oyebanji was about the welfare of the commoners, particularly responding positively and timely to their health needs.

“I believe this programme will help in complementing the efforts of the state government at the grassroots”, she said.

Amandla Institute to Host High-Level Conference of Leaders to Mark ECOWAS at 50 in Abuja.

Amandla Institute to Host High-Level Conference of Leaders to Mark ECOWAS at 50 in Abuja.

As part of activities commemorating the golden jubilee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Amandla Institute is convening a landmark High-Level Reflection Conference of Leaders on June 24–25, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria. 

The closed-door gathering will bring together some of the most influential figures in the history of the regional bloc to critically examine its journey over the past five decades and chart a course for its future.

Among the distinguished participants are General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), former Nigerian Head of State and a founding father of ECOWAS; Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the first President of the ECOWAS Commission; Dr. Abass Bundu, third Executive Secretary of the ECOWAS Secretariat; Dr. Omar Touray, current President of the ECOWAS Commission; and Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Co-Founder of the Amandla Institute and former Governor of Ekiti State, Nigeria. Also participating are prominent former ECOWAS officials, parliamentarians, jurists, and political leaders from across West Africa.

Themed “ECOWAS at 50: A High-Level Reflection Conference of Leaders,” the two-day event will provide an opportunity for deep introspection on the milestones, challenges, and prospects of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.

 At the heart of the conference is an urgent conversation on the current state and future of ECOWAS, particularly in light of the recent withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger , and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which poses a critical challenge to regional unity.

Speakers and panellists will engage in a series of thematic sessions covering the origins and evolution of ECOWAS, economic integration efforts, peace and security interventions, the role of regional institutions such as the ECOWAS Parliament and Court of Justice, and the changing geopolitical landscape affecting West Africa.  

The Amandla Institute is a pan-African, independent think tank and policy research organisation dedicated to advancing governance, security, and development across Africa. Co-founded by Dr. Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State, it fosters dialogue and strategic solutions to regional challenges, including peacebuilding and strengthening democracy.